Events to warm you up this winter
Don’t let the cold weather limit your horizons this winter, head down to the River Thames where there’s plenty on offer to keep you warm and busy. Whether you wrap up for a picturesque walk, take a cycle ride or visit one of the many riverside attractions; there’s no excuse for hiding in doors.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is open throughout December and until 10 January 2010 offering a wonderland of winter fun for visitors. So grab your ear muffs and gloves and skate away those winter blues against the spectacular backdrop of the Palace’s West Front. For further information or to book tickets visit Hampton Court Ice Rink.
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See Hampton Court Palace in an eerie new light during a Ghost Tour this winter. For the not-so-faint hearted or over 12s, this event will take you on a creepy tour round King Henry Vlll’s State Apartments, including the famous Haunted Gallery. Creep through the deserted courtyards if you dare! For the younger visitors there are the Hampton Court Kids’ Spook Tours. Advance booking is recommended at Hampton Court Palace.
Afternoon Tea Cruise
After a morning at Hampton Court, why not hop aboard one of Turks luxury vessels, departing from outside the palace. Take in the sights of the River Thames, inclusing Hampton Court Palace's stunning gardens, Thames Ditton Island, the bustling town centre of Kingston and Teddington Lock. During your 60 minute cruise you will be served afternoon tea, including tea and coffee, scones with clotted cream and jam and homemade cakes and biscuits. Cost is £13.50 per person, or combine with a visit to Hampton Court Palace and enjoy discounted entry to the palace. Contact Turks on 020 8546 2434 or visit Turks website. See below for an exclusive Turks discount offer!
River and Rowing Museum
There’s plenty to warm the winter blues at the River and Rowing Museum. Kids will love to visit the ever popular Wind in the Willows exhibition and follow the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole as the wind their way through the enchanting displays. While you’re there take a look at the Not So Dawdling exhibition, celebrating 150 years of rowing at Oxford’s Magdalen College Rowing Club. Or pop along to the Treasures Gallery to learn more about flooding on the River Thames in the Water, Water Everywhere exhibition.
Walking on the Thames
If you fancy wrapping up warm and taking in some breathtaking scenery on a stroll along the Thames Path this winter you are spoilt for choice. From the Cotswold to London, there are 184 miles of path to tread. Make up your own itinerary, download a suggested route or join an organised walk for a bracing day out.
Join National Trails for a walk setting off from north Abingdon, passing the recently saved Radley Lakes and onto Culham and beyond on 2 January, 2010, or meander through the Cotswold Water Park with them on 6 February, 2010. Details of these and other organised events can be found at National Trails.
Download suggested route plans at the National Trust or from visitthames.co.uk.
Stanley Spencer Museum
The Stanley Spencer Museum has extended its opening times for its Winter Exhibition which runs until 28 March, 2010. It features 40 paintings and drawings by Stanley Spencer, including a number of oils from the collection as well as pictures on long-term loan, and a portrait of Stanley by Desmond Chute.
National Trust - Basildon Park and Ham House
Pay a visit to the National Trust's Basildon Park, in Lower Basildon near Pangbourne, this winter for a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Why not join them for a Winter Walk on 12 and 26 February, 2010 or go wildlife spotting on 19 February, 2010? If you prefer to stay indoors, a behind the scene's tour may be more up your street. On 24 and 26 February, 2010, Basildon Park are holding Waking up the House, a rare opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the parts of the house not usually on show to the public. Booking in advance is required (call 0844 249 1895), tickets cost £15.
As temperatures plummet outside, enjoy a chilling family ghost tour at Ham House in Richmond. Explore the haunted corners of this unique 17th-century house, where time appears to have stood still, on 15 and 16 February, 2010. Booking is required (call 0844 249 1895), tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for children.
Windsor Castle
Queen Victoria’s winter sleigh will be on display in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle throughout December and until 6 January, 2010. Victoria and Albert spent many winters at Windsor and the Prince often drove the sleigh around Windsor, pulled by a pair of grey horses with harnesses decorated with ostrich plumes and silver bells.
A visit to Windsor Castle this winter wouldn’t be complete without a look at the Henry Vlll: A 500th Anniversary Exhibition. It’s 500 years since Henry Vlll became King and Windsor played host to Henry and his court on many occasions. He died in 1547, aged 55, and is buried in St George’s Chapel next to his third wife, Jane Seymour. The Castle’s Drawings Gallery is currently displaying some of the most important and beautiful treasures to survive from the King’s reign.
Abingdon - County Hall and Pendon Museums
Head to Abingdon in the Vale of White Horse this winter for some stunning views of the river and two entertaining museums. The Abingdon County Hall Museum is arguably one of the outstanding market buildings in England. The museum’s current exhibition tells the history and future of the County Hall, from its days as a courtroom in 1682 to plans for its redevelopment, with images showing how newly opened up areas could look. There’s a children’s activity table and play area, making it family-friendly.
Nearby Pendon Museum is home to a model village based on life in the 1920s and 30s, complete with railway track and working miniature trains. The attention to detail is astonishing. If you’re lucky, they’ll dim the lights to reveal the houses lit up and you might catch a glimpse of the village cat.
Exclusive Winter Offer
Turks Launches -- EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
Why not hire one of Turk's luxury boats for a private event? With visitthames.co.uk you can take advantage of a 10% discount on boat hire until April (subject to availability). Turks hire a variety of vessels offering an exciting and alternative venue for your special occasion, from Mississippi styled paddle steamers to modern craft with facilities for 20 to 160 guests. Contact Turks for more information on 020 8546 2434, quoting visitthames.co.uk, to claim your 10% boat hire discount.